Comments
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan Boyle
2009-04-19 12:31:45
It is the normal fate of Chancellors, on the Sunday before a Budget, to see the newspapers plastered with predictions of its contents.
Today, you have to work well into the inside pages before finding out what Alistair Darling may or, more likely given how tightly the Budget is held, may not, be thinking. Instead the fall out from Damian McBride's activities and the policing of the G20 Summit continues to dominate. The relief that may give Alistair as he works on his speech is about the only good thing that can be said of the rolling coverage of smears and emails, on which Neil Kinnock was excellent on the TV this morning.
With so much focus on spin, it is worth pointing out that one of Alistair's strengths is his mild aversion to the presentational side of modern politics. What he announces, and the impact it makes, will be more important than how he announces it or the headlines the day after, let alone several days before.
But what the G20 showed is that proper preparation, the facing up to big difficult decisions, and the sense that our politicians are properly focussed on things that really matter to people, can have a positive impact on confidence, give direction and purpose to politics. The stalling of that has been part of the real political damage done by recent events.
This week he has to set out where we are, how we got here, and how we now move forward. The more factual and candid he is, the more likely he is to be heard.
I see both Alistair and I appear in a list of people allegedly smeared or briefed against by a unit run by Ed Balls. All I cay say is if so, I was unaware of it.
But, showing there is still money around despite economic woes, and still goodness among public figures, my attention was caught by the story a few columns away, about how David Sainsbury has become the first Briton to give away more than a billion pounds to charity.
Lord Sainsbury is one of those rare examples of someone who transferred well from a successful business career to a successful ministerial career. He was always a delight to work with when I was in Number 10, and a superb science minister. And no, that is not an invitation for him to become the next to sign up to my attempts to get fifty individuals or organisations to give fifty thousand pounds to celebrate Leukaemia Research's fiftieth anniversary. That will come separately!
Finally, if politicians tend to read the Sunday papers with a mix of horror and trepidation, one person who must read them week after week with a sense of his own skills in shaping the popular culture agenda is Simon Cowell. The overnight sensation that is Susan Boyle and her 25 million YouTube hits is the latest chapter in Cowell's story.
If there is a lesson from her success for politicians, it is authenticity. It is the only communication that works.
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A lifetime's ambition fulfilledPublish date: 2009-08-08 16:59:02
Breaking the blog-a-day spell as warm up to holidayPublish date: 2009-07-20 17:44:49
No hiding place from Twitter, me on the bike, JP in DCPublish date: 2009-07-17 18:17:09
At last - something Obama cannot do wellPublish date: 2009-07-16 10:05:47
Will MPs take the lead in the debate on euthanasia?Publish date: 2009-07-15 12:30:01
Berlin brothel leads the way to a greener worldPublish date: 2009-07-14 10:57:25
A time for GB to explain the whole picturePublish date: 2009-07-13 12:37:54
All hail Monty, Jimmy and Collie!Publish date: 2009-07-12 20:06:36
First triathlon of the summer for me, education award for FionaPublish date: 2009-07-12 09:43:06
Of Burnley's friendly and Obama's wandering eyePublish date: 2009-07-11 12:38:52
Two great early morning momentsPublish date: 2009-07-10 10:27:07
Cameron had better be sure he's rightPublish date: 2009-07-09 11:06:22
Guardian scoop has big questions for press, cops and CameronPublish date: 2009-07-08 20:40:54
Divisive legend: Lance ArmstrongPublish date: 2009-07-07 10:38:23
First hug a hoodie, now grab a gayPublish date: 2009-07-06 12:57:09
Mail on Scumday's wonderful account of Lansley's kipperdomPublish date: 2009-07-05 13:14:51
Ecclestone undermines his own success with alarming views on HitlerPublish date: 2009-07-04 14:04:04
When the conmen move more quickly than the councilPublish date: 2009-07-03 10:19:52
Andrew Lansley done up like a kipperPublish date: 2009-07-02 10:10:52
A day spent interviewing footballers, then being interviewed by a transvestite comedianPublish date: 2009-07-01 14:47:40
When the power of black eyes fadesPublish date: 2009-06-30 09:24:59
Farewell to Henry HodgePublish date: 2009-06-29 20:41:12
Honouring the power of sport to do goodPublish date: 2009-06-29 14:49:42
Andy Murray is a winner. Is that why some Brits don't like him?Publish date: 2009-06-28 09:19:20
New Parliament will look very different. The younger the betterPublish date: 2009-06-27 17:34:26
Two nice surprises, sad end to dayPublish date: 2009-06-26 09:16:33
Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fundPublish date: 2009-06-25 19:57:26
Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on IraqPublish date: 2009-06-24 23:47:54
Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema ...Publish date: 2009-06-24 00:46:23
By Dave's friends shall we know him?Publish date: 2009-06-23 11:30:20
The Speaker has to balance tradition and change - but defend ParliamentPublish date: 2009-06-22 11:58:44
Less a blog than an apology for not having done onePublish date: 2009-06-21 20:07:43
The day Lions skipper Paul O'Connell took my trousers downPublish date: 2009-06-20 11:48:28
On the Iraq inquiry, Independent article wrongPublish date: 2009-06-19 20:28:24
Thank you to three readers, now please get involvedPublish date: 2009-06-19 09:13:35
A tribute to a lovely manPublish date: 2009-06-18 17:19:40
Bad times in Belfast, great day for Burnley, odd statement from Ed BallsPublish date: 2009-06-18 10:04:47
A plea for five-figure cyber-donationsPublish date: 2009-06-17 07:40:42
On two inquiriesPublish date: 2009-06-16 08:57:39
From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
Memories of Princess DianaPublish date: 2009-06-14 09:54:55
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNPPublish date: 2009-06-01 11:03:29
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
They got their kit off - so you get your cash outPublish date: 2009-05-14 07:41:11
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
A peace process still strongPublish date: 2009-03-09 08:21:05
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Editing the New StatesmanPublish date: 2009-02-20 11:42:36
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
Andy G
2009-04-20 10:59:30@Betty Curtis
Look at the number of Conservatives or known right wingers who front the BBC's politcal coverage on TV and Radio already. The BBC seem to be working on the assumption the Conservatives have the next election won already and they better not upset or challenge them too much in case it effects any future license fee settlement.
If the Conservatives were getting as much negative coverage on the BBC as The Labour Party are at the moment, they would be screaming 'bias' to anyone who would listen.
Perhaps The Labour Party should examine whether the coverage from the BBC is what you would expect from a public service broadcaster.
Brendan
2009-04-20 10:29:48Last week on Newsnight, Ken Livinstone took the shadow home secretary apart. Why is this experienced, talented and popular labour politician not part of Labour's fightback?
betty curtis
2009-04-19 22:42:26The BBC are a disgrace.
Today in the Observer--
James Robinson's reports---Scent of victory puts PR firms on the hunt for Tory big beasts---
The new arrivals at the BBC are all Conservative supporters in executive roles such as John Tate,director of policy & strategy---
Now we know why the BBC reports against Labour are no different from Sky reporting---
I noticed male newscasters fitted out with their blue ties on Sky News.
Probably part of the psychology they want to project.
They want to prove they can bring the Government down.
We know what's happening within the Tory Media-----
Let's get on with winning the political argument for a fourth term.
kdbur
2009-04-19 20:06:41I want to see Camerons huge wealth (10's of millions) being put out to the public. That is not a smear it is a sign that Cameron's lifestyle is 'miles away' from the lives of the UK public who are thinking of voting for him next year
Wyrdtimes
2009-04-19 20:05:39Are you an "authentic" Scot? Or an Englishman in denial?
Alina Palimaru
2009-04-19 19:29:52My only fear regarding the budget coverage is that the Tories will get an easy ride again. I am convinced no one will grill them on their budgetary strategy, in order to expose them for the flip-floppers that they really are. I have been reading some of their policy papers, and the Tories should apologize for making anyone read through that pile of rubbish.
Jane A
2009-04-19 16:46:45The media are positioning the most important political melee as the Blairite and Brownite Labour factions against each other (who has briefed against ; smeared against ; muttered against/ sided with etc) - and it is such a damaging distraction. Even the Georgia Gould/Erith situation was played in those terms by the Times yesterday.
European elections ahead, BNP dusting off their clean white T-shirts, and yet the Sundays are just rehashing the Tuesdays. Didn't buy a paper today - have better things to do with £1.20 than fund this rubbish.
Em
2009-04-19 14:43:03I know I wouldn't want to be in Mr. Darling's shoes, new** or not. Pre-budget speculation is useless and irritating. I always wait to read the real thing.
I guess Mr. Darling's no nonsense approach explains why I seldom hear from him. He is obviously not one of those BBC whores. Sometimes, I wonder whether some MPs spend more time in television and radio studios than in parliament.
Much talk about "In the Loop" over the weekend. Yours is the only bad review I've read -- now that is telling ;-)
Boyle is so unspoiled. Can't believe it's going to last long. Can't imagine anyone remains a (metaphorical) virgin around Simon Cowell for very long. Don't know how inauthentic he is but he has admitted to have been thinking "kerching" ever since Boyle. Fair enough.
**Canada is a parliamentary democracy as well. Here, the finance minister must sport brand new footwear as she delivers the budget speech and she must drink a full glass of gin (or whisky) before, during or after the delivery of the speech. Wondering whether the tradition comes from the U.K and whether it is still respected.
jayprich
2009-04-19 14:03:17In the case of emotional connection with her public, Susan Boyle is an exemplar. However, Darling in his position needs to sound as positively optimistic as he can credibly manage.
Honesty about the complex situation of Europe and the banks' balance sheets is hard to communicate without panicking the non-expert.
In my view an honest open statement could be misunderstood. It would be disastrous if individuals with savings all bought gold. That would cause a gold bubble which would then collapse like the late 1970s.
We should each aim for a sustainable lifestyle assuming the government will do what is necessary with regulation, fiscal and monetary policy to stabilise the system ... but that may cause price and wage inflation after some years and it will not "reflate" activity in the real economy. We must plan for and expect expect time, a long time, before savings, investment and growth have filled in the hole caused by the collapse of the global, debt fuelled, equity and real estate bubbles.
Stark facts aren't enough - he needs to educate and advise the public on what risks they face and keep contingency in there to head off further speculative or fear driven panics that incomplete knowledge or understanding is apt to spark.
@jayprich
Sue Marshall
2009-04-19 13:50:47Authenticity? And Simon Cowell? Autentically what?
Jill Harrison
2009-04-19 13:49:29Isee they were also talking about in The Loop on the programme. The actor looked very different to how he is in the film. Do you basically take it as a compliment that everyone says the main character is based on you? I think you should!
Alan Macrae
2009-04-19 13:47:35The tragedy is that even something like the budget gets drowned by all this detritus. The questio I would like to ask is why some of these people were in Downning Street at all?
Stuart Le Gassick
2009-04-19 13:14:14Alastair
Well written and I agree with your sentiment Neil Kinnock was correct in his comments on 'the Andrew Marr Show' this morning and obviously I must endorse the generosity of Lord Sainsbury!! What has annoyed me this week is the Icelandic Governmental Advisors taking control over a Tax Haven company with debts of some £600 million financed totally by Kaupting Bank which is where our councils andGovernment was investing our money. In Somerset aslone some £25 million was invested because there was a better rate of interes. Itis even more interesting to know that the Tax Haven Company was controlled by an Iranian Speculator who was betting the market with CFD's (Contracts for Differences)
Now the tax payer covers the downsides of gamblers!!!
Where is the commonsense and who is responsible for such stupidity???
Obnoxio The Clown
2009-04-19 12:41:14Despite your hagiography of Dave S, Britain has collapsed as a desirable option for scientific research in the world. Dave S has been no more use than any other Labour minister, i.e., no use at all.
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